Window joint for lateral wellbore construction

Abstract

A system for opening a window ( 320 ) in lateral wellbore construction. The system includes a window joint ( 300 ) that is operable to be interconnected within a casing string. The window joint ( 300 ) has a window ( 304 ) formed therein that is defined by at least one score line ( 306 ) that creates a preferentially weaken region within the window joint ( 300 ) enabling internal removal of the window ( 304 ) in a predictable manner without generating wellbore debris. A window removal tool ( 310 ) is operable to be run in the casing string. The window removal tool ( 310 ) is operably engagable with the window ( 304 ) such that actuation of the window removal tool ( 310 ) internally removes the window ( 304 ) from the window joint ( 300 ), thereby opening the window ( 320 ).

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A window joint for lateral wellbore construction, the window joint comprising:
 a tubular member operable to be interconnected within a tubular string; 
 a preformed window formed in the tubular member, the preformed window defined by at least one score line that creates a preferentially weakened region within the tubular member enabling internal removal of the preformed window in a predictable manner, the at least one score line having at least one section extending circumferentially about a portion of the tubular member and at least one section extending longitudinally about a portion of the tubular member; and 
 a generally radially extending tab disposed on an interior surface of the preformed window, the tab having a first surface that is operably engagable with a window removal tool to enable internal removal of the preformed window, the tab having a second surface that is oppositely disposed from the first surface and is defined by at least a portion of the at least one score line. 
 
     
     
       2. The window joint as recited in  claim 1  wherein the at least one score line further comprises at least one score line formed on an exterior surface of the tubular member. 
     
     
       3. The window joint as recited in  claim 1  wherein the at least one score line further comprises at least one score line formed on an interior surface of the tubular member and at least one score line formed on an exterior surface of the tubular member. 
     
     
       4. The window joint as recited in  claim 1  wherein the at least one score line further comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending score lines. 
     
     
       5. The window joint as recited in  claim 1  wherein the at least one score line further comprises a plurality of circumferentially extending score lines. 
     
     
       6. The window joint as recited in  claim 1  wherein the preformed window has a circumferential width up to about 170 degrees.